Safety and Hygiene
When selecting a face painter, be sure to inquire what their safe hygiene practices are and ask to preview any disclaimers and/or, terms and conditions that they may have in place before retaining their services.
A conscientious painter will have a clean workspace, use multiple basins to wash brushes, use clean sponges for each face, and practice proper sanitation techniques at all times. Your painter should be forthcoming on what is and is not acceptable when painting, often by having a set of disclaimers on display that align with their insurance policies.
These safe practices will give you peace of mind that your children are having a wonderful experience in a safe, clean manner with minimal chances of spreading cooties to one another, which no one wants!
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Some safety protocols include:
Why is using cosmetic-grade products (paint and glitter) so important?
I have seen well-meaning groups use acrylic paints and/or craft glitter at their events. Just because acrylic paints say "non-toxic" that does not necessarily mean it is safe to use on skin. Acrylic paints and craft glitter is enticing to many beginning painters and community-based organizations because it cost less money and is easier to obtain at most big-box craft stores. However, there are ingredients in both products that are banned for use in any food, drug or cosmetic product.
Craft glitter is metallic and is dangerous on skin, especially around the eye area. It should never be used on a person's body. There are several cosmetic-grade glitter products on the market today that are safer alternatives. Be sure to ask your artist what type of glitter they are using, as well as ask what adhesive they use to have the glitter stick to the skin. Skin-safe options often include aloe or body lubricant (such as KY or Sonogram jelly). Some artists choose to use petroleum jelly products, although there have been instances where this product can irritate the eye area.
Using unsafe products that are not made for skin applications means you run the risk of painful rashes or damaged corneas, which no one wants - face painting is supposed to be fun, not painful!
I only use the highest quality of water-activated makeup products that are considered to be professional theater makeup, containing an anti-bacterial agent that helps to prohibit the multiplication of micro-organisms. These skin-safe products are non-toxic and are tested to ensure that, generally speaking, there should be no adverse skin reactions.
If you are ever unsure about the contents of the paint product being used, request a swatch test to be painted on the underside of a child's wrist and wait 30 minutes to see if a reaction occurs. On the off chance that there is a reaction, we would rather it be on a wrist than on the face!
Is Face Paint Insurance really necessary?
As you are planning your event, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done to make the magic happen - venue, theme, decorations, supplies, food, music, activities, advertising.... most likely the last thing on your mind is to ask your entertainer if they carry business insurance. Besides, what could go wrong... right???
As you search for an entertainer for your next event, be sure to ask if they are insured - this gives you and the artist peace of mind. Personal Liability Insurance protects everyone in case of any accidents - such as damages to equipment, adverse reactions to face paints, etc. Knowing that safety net is there helps to ensure your celebration will be a little less stressful on you, resulting in a party full of colorful happy faces, making wonderful memories!
A conscientious painter will have a clean workspace, use multiple basins to wash brushes, use clean sponges for each face, and practice proper sanitation techniques at all times. Your painter should be forthcoming on what is and is not acceptable when painting, often by having a set of disclaimers on display that align with their insurance policies.
These safe practices will give you peace of mind that your children are having a wonderful experience in a safe, clean manner with minimal chances of spreading cooties to one another, which no one wants!
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Some safety protocols include:
- Artist will be up-to-date with all Covid vaccines available to them
- Artist will wear a mask at all times while painting
- Artist will sanitize hands between each person
- Artist will use a triple-wash brush system
- Artist will use only 1 sponge per child
- Artist will not paint around mouth area
- Artist will perioidicallly spray entire paint area with sanitizer spray
Why is using cosmetic-grade products (paint and glitter) so important?
I have seen well-meaning groups use acrylic paints and/or craft glitter at their events. Just because acrylic paints say "non-toxic" that does not necessarily mean it is safe to use on skin. Acrylic paints and craft glitter is enticing to many beginning painters and community-based organizations because it cost less money and is easier to obtain at most big-box craft stores. However, there are ingredients in both products that are banned for use in any food, drug or cosmetic product.
Craft glitter is metallic and is dangerous on skin, especially around the eye area. It should never be used on a person's body. There are several cosmetic-grade glitter products on the market today that are safer alternatives. Be sure to ask your artist what type of glitter they are using, as well as ask what adhesive they use to have the glitter stick to the skin. Skin-safe options often include aloe or body lubricant (such as KY or Sonogram jelly). Some artists choose to use petroleum jelly products, although there have been instances where this product can irritate the eye area.
Using unsafe products that are not made for skin applications means you run the risk of painful rashes or damaged corneas, which no one wants - face painting is supposed to be fun, not painful!
I only use the highest quality of water-activated makeup products that are considered to be professional theater makeup, containing an anti-bacterial agent that helps to prohibit the multiplication of micro-organisms. These skin-safe products are non-toxic and are tested to ensure that, generally speaking, there should be no adverse skin reactions.
If you are ever unsure about the contents of the paint product being used, request a swatch test to be painted on the underside of a child's wrist and wait 30 minutes to see if a reaction occurs. On the off chance that there is a reaction, we would rather it be on a wrist than on the face!
Is Face Paint Insurance really necessary?
As you are planning your event, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done to make the magic happen - venue, theme, decorations, supplies, food, music, activities, advertising.... most likely the last thing on your mind is to ask your entertainer if they carry business insurance. Besides, what could go wrong... right???
As you search for an entertainer for your next event, be sure to ask if they are insured - this gives you and the artist peace of mind. Personal Liability Insurance protects everyone in case of any accidents - such as damages to equipment, adverse reactions to face paints, etc. Knowing that safety net is there helps to ensure your celebration will be a little less stressful on you, resulting in a party full of colorful happy faces, making wonderful memories!